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This prestigious award comes on the same year the great comic character celebrates its 50 anniversary.

Quino drew Mafalda for nine years, between 1964 and 1973. “But I've never learned how to draw her, I had to copy her”, he shared not long ago.

Mafalda is the best selling Latin American cartoon in the planet and has never lost it's relevancy over these five decades: all (or almost all) of the issues that made this non-conformist girl angry are still happening.

We congratulate Quino!!! Awarded the Prince of Asturias prize. [...] The award includes a sculpture designed by Joan Miró and 50,000 euros [about 68,000 US dollars], plus a diploma and a representative badge.

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The jury of the prestigious Prince of Asturias award, considered a Nobel Prize of culture in Spanish, had in mind all of Quino's achievements when awarding him.

The words of the jury were that Mafalda is “a girl who perceives the complexity of the world through the simplicity of a child’s eyes.” She is defined as “intelligent, ironic, non-conformist, rebellious and sensitive. She dreams of a world that is more dignified, just and respectful of human rights.”

Last Mafalda cartoon, published on June 25, 1973, as decided by Quino.

Earlier this year, Quino also received the Legion of Honor, the most important award in France, where his work is very popular. The creator of Mafalda was honored in a packed Hall of the Book in Paris with a big ovation.